Midfielder decides against Tottenham Hotspur loan departure

After discussing his situation with the club, Nacer Chadli has decided to remain at Tottenham Hotspur and fight for a regular place.

The Belgian international was one of several big-money signings this summer, in the wake of Gareth Bale’s world-record transfer to Real Madrid. But like many of these new arrivals, the midfielder is struggling to make his mark at White Hart Lane, and earlier this week it was suggested he could leave this month on loan to aid his World Cup chances.

However, Chadli has now had conversations with the London club about his future, and he has now decided to see out the season in the capital. The 24-year-old midfield player will now look to increase the number of appearances he has accumulated in the top-flight, with just seven of his 13 outings coming from a place in the starting XI.

“Nacer has thought about a loan, but after a good conversation with the club, we have decided to stay,” agent Daniel Evrard said. “Spurs is still the best choice. You can’t compare Nacer’s situation with Kevin De Bruyne’s situation at Chelsea, who almost didn’t play in the last six months. Nacer’s always in the squad and gets his minutes.”

Another summer signing, meanwhile, is wanted by Napoli. Etienne Capoue was brought in by former coach Andre Villas-Boas for a fee of £9million, but like Chadli, he has failed to command a regular first team start. According to reports in Italy, Rafael Benitez is keen to take the 25-year-old for a similar fee, or on loan for the rest of the season.

Lewis Holtby, another midfielder struggling to establish himself at White Hart Lane, is said to be wanted by former club Schalke. The 23-year-old left the Bundesliga club for Spurs just 12 months ago, but he is now keen to return in a bid to secure the regular first team football which could help him gatecrash the German national side ahead of the World Cup Finals. Everton are also thought to be interested in the player.